Day: August 9, 2016

Describe the moment you hit the Canada goose with your car. What was going on at the time.

BS : I was late for a meeting. It was a Tuesday evening around 7:30 pm and the lighting was pretty dim. I was probably driving a little faster than I should have been. I drove through the intersection of Route 55 and Apex Peakway. Right at that corner is the Wake Med Medical facility. There is a pond in front of the building where the geese like to swim and they are always walking around in the grass near the road eating what ever it is that the geese eat. A lot of times they walk across the street. This is what happened that night.

So you drove through the intersection and you hit a goose that was in the process of crossing the street.

BS : Yes. I did not see him but I knew exactly what happened when I heard and felt the bump on the car.

BS : I felt terrible. Everyone loves those geese. At the time I was worried about making it to the meeting on time so I just kept driving. I remember sitting in that meeting wondering if I had committed a crime and wondering if I should notify someone about what happened.

I don’t think so. I am pretty sure the crime of cruelty to animals requires a level of intent that I don’t think was present. Also the municipality has people on the payroll who’s job it is to pick up animal carcasses. I think you are in the clear.

The newest sign is up and reads, “TREATMENT IS NOW COMPLETE! STAND TALL & CONTINUE YOUR JOURNEY WITH FAITH, HOPE & ALL OUR LOVE!” At the bottom of the sign is a smiley face. Does this mean that there will be no more signs to follow?

SM : I cannot say that. The sign thing really took me by storm. It is encoded within my DNA at this point. I seriously can not picture myself never ever posting another sign on my front porch.

Maybe you could start something new? The treatment is over after all. Perhaps you could open your own sign shop?

SM : I don’t think so. I am sixty years old and retired. I am financially set for life. I don’t want to open up a business at my age.

Do you think Susan appreciated the signs you have been posting on your front porch?

SM : Of course she does! What a silly question. Why do you ask?

Well, I hate to burst your bubble but I have spoken to a few people in the neighborhood who have expressed that your signs make them uncomfortable.

SM : That’s ridiculous. Everybody loves my signs. The amount of effort I put into them combined with the positive sentiments… What’s not to like?

Maybe some people felt that Susan wanted to maintain a certain level of privacy concerning her illness. The intent behind the signs and banners was clearly well meaning. However, their public display made the whole thing, well, public.

SM : You people are being hyper-critical. Can’t a neighbor do something nice for another neighbor?

See, this is part of the reason this whole episode was awkward. People did not want to tell you this because they were afraid of exactly this reaction.

SM : And so you waited until now to tell me? You waited until I posted the very last sign?